How to a Write a Resume - The Key to a Job

NOTE: Had Formating Errors. Refer to bottom for picture of template Let me begin by stating this posting is only a guide of how a resume should be laid out, not the be all and end all. As a University Graduate it took me several hours and information sessions to formulate a great resume. Information that I wish could have been given to me online. The benefit? Every three jobs I apply to I get at least one call for an interview. And for the record I am employed.

Let’s begin…

Step 1) Title Block Title Block: On the top of the first page you have to have key information centered and bolded in this format:

That is the first thing that should appear on a resume – the home number and cell number should be abbreviated to (H) (XXX) XXX-XXXX and (C) (XXX) XXX-XXXX. For the e-mail I suggest G-mail as most employers do not take kindly to Hotmail for some reason.

Step 2) Qualifications

Now that the title block is out of the way – focus on your qualifications. So what goes here? How are you qualified for the job in question. Can you type 70+ words per minute? Are you experienced in working under time constraints? Just keep the bullet points here generic:

You should have about 10 bullet points in this section. Make sure its related to the job posting

Step 3) Work Experience

The most important part of the resume/CV. Once you formulate your resume the bullet points will be constantly changing much like the qualifications section this must be related to the job posting. You should have about 4-5 bullet points outlining skills. There should hopefully be at least three different work experiences on your job. If you do not filter work experience with volunteer experience. Both can be used. Jobs should be listed in reverse chronological from most recent onwards.

For example, let’s say the job posting asks for someone who is skilled with electronic documentation; refer to bullet point in example.

WORK EXPERIENCE

· Received active documents and applications, converted such documents to electronic through using the scanner or Adobe. Created an online storage folder that all individuals in the office could access

Step 4) Certifications and Achievements

My opinion including hobbies in your resume is a waste as an employer I don’t care if you play hockey – I will see your social ability in the interview so do not waste time including your hobbies – instead focus on your certifications and achievements which highlights you are a hard worker.

CERTIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

June 2011 Certified by the XYZ October 2009 Organization: Course, Completed Program May 2009 Name of Certificate

Step 5) Education

Almost every job you will apply for will ask for a specific degree. List where you attended college or university.

Through the course of writing this article and presenting you with the steps it is easy to see I have some areas that are not formatted correctly. There was a method to my madness. Make sure you go over everything and proofread and format. I know this article has fragments – but given its educational nature I chose not to fix them. Do not do this on a resume. Also ensure correct spacing, indentation and font size. Everything should be the same.